Shmulik Cohen

December 2014
Most of us were not around 8 decades ago, when Shmulik Cohen opened the doors to the restaurant bearing his name. Like the miracle of Chanuka, the restaurant that was hoping to stay open for one decade, has remained open for 8.

To those who say that life is dynamic and change is inevitable, I bring you Shmulik Cohen Restaurant. Not only is the restaurant still operating in its original location on Tel Aviv’s Herzl Street, but the menu has not changed all that much, in all this time. Shmulik’s daughter still supervises the kitchen staff and now his grandson - the “yingele” - manages the restaurant.

Every day is Shabbos at Shmulik Cohen

Shmulik Cohen restaurant is the temple of Eastern European cuisine. The Restaurant is proud to preserve the Eastern European culinary heritage for those of us who appreciate these dishes but few of our generation know how to prepare. Dishes are lovingly presented, tasty and oh so traditional. Portions are generous, as you would expect. The food is complemented by an unassuming, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Since this is one of the few places where you will find Eastern European foods, the restaurant has become a social gathering place for Local Tel Avivians - and tourists who are fans of this cuisine. Shmulik Cohen Restaurant is the brick & mortar version of the online chat forum.

Over the years Shmulik Cohen Restaurant has kept up with the times. No greasy spoon are we. Tables are covered in crisp, white table cloths and white napkins. The tableware is elegant – and a far cry from the mix-n-match that was on my grandparent table. A great
number of paintings and photos are displayed on the wall. There is even an impressive Shmulik Cohen website. Prices are also a far cry from the prices on the menu on opening night. But that is part of the experience.

About The Shmulik Cohen Menu

This includes everything you might hope for. There are herrings – salted, chopped, or marinated, there’s gefilte fish – soft and moist as it should be, there’s chopped liver and egg salad. Chicken soup comes clear, or – much yummier, with kreplach, with kneidlech, or
noodles!

Shmulik Cohen is bliss for meat eaters: Roast beef, baked tongue, cholent and kishke, chicken or beef meatballs, goulash, Viennese veal or chicken schnitzel, roast chicken are some, but by no means all, of the dishes on offer. If you want to sample a variety, come in a group of 3 or more, and order the Mixed Meat Platter. If you prefer fish, ask the waiter for the catch of the day; and there is also always a vegetarian option.

Dessert?
If you did not say compote you are not one of the initiated. There is also traditional, sweet lokshen kugel. What else could there be? Alternates to Bubi’s favorites are the chocolate mousse, served with chalva.

We like Shmulik’s. We like it because it serves good, traditional food which has been lovingly prepared, and is proud of what it’s doing: preserving the Eastern European culinary heritage
for those of us who appreciate dishes that few of our generation know how to prepare. Here’s hoping that they continue for at least another 78 years!

Click here for a 10% discount coupon on your next order at Shmulik Cohen. Print out this coupon and present it at the restaurant.